Though Nero was anticipating Isabella's response, he did not allow his focus to slip lest his performance suffer during the drills, or he make some kind of mistake. It was exactly because he maintained his focus that he noticed Sergeant Renald giving him an unusual look.
Nero almost expected to be sentenced to running all day again when he saw that look, but that did not happen. In fact, the sergeant told everyone else to begin their morning drills, but he kept Nero back.
"I've heard you've applied to take on more classes - is that true, cadet?" the sergeant asked Nero, his tone completely neutral making it difficult to determine his mood or intentions.
"Yes sir!" Nero answered promptly, realising what exactly had attracted the sergeant's attention. Was he angry or upset that Nero had looked down on the effects of drill, requesting more classes instead? Based on his analysis of the man, that was unlikely, yet Nero could not figure out any other motive for investigating.
